The Streisand Songbook Update

By on May 16, 2012 in Kevin Purcell's blog

Ann_Hampton_CallawayWell, I sat in (I’ve been doing a lot of that lately it would seem) on the rhythm section rehearsal yesterday afternoon, prior to the orchestral call this morning for the ‘The Streisand Songbook’ concerts with the Boston Pops Orchestra.

Two words to describe this process as observed: faultlessly efficient! Wonderful playing, expertly overseen by the Boston Pops Musical Director, Keith Lockhart.  The star of this show, notwithstanding, is most definitely Ann Hampton Callaway.  Ann has the most astounding, musically sensitive vocal instrument.  She’s also a great performer (I’ve seen her work in concert previously). She’s selected great songs in very cool arrangements – one in particular by her M.D., Rob Mounsey is a beauty! Continue Reading →

Comments { 0 }

The Lion King New York

By on May 15, 2012 in Kevin Purcell's blog

Minskoff_Theatre_BroadwayI had the great privilege of sitting in with the band at Lion King New York (LKNY) on Saturday night, courtesy of Musical Director Karl Jurman and Assoc. Conductor Cherie Rosen.  I have a great deal of time for ‘pit orchestras’, in general; who perform under conditions that would make their concert music colleagues blush with embarrassment for ever complaining about anything, but these folk at LKNY are really, really good at what they do!  I have no doubt this derives from the first-class music staff on this production. Continue Reading →

Comments { 0 }

Another Victim in The Demise of Tertiary Music in Australia: Vale ANU School of Music

By on May 9, 2012 in Kevin Purcell's blog

ANU_School_of_MusicShould we lament the news, as part of the necessary change management process underway at ANU, of the catastrophic consequences for its School of Music?  Quite obviously, the answer is a resounding “Yes!”  The raison d’être for this decision is almost invariably complex and similar to the previous loss of other notable music departments in Australia – not the least being the infamous demise of La Trobe University’s music department; quite possibly the most disgraceful act of academic and political confabulation and shortsighted stupidity by a university Senior Management Team within the last 20 years in Australia. Continue Reading →

Comments { 0 }

In Full Voice: SMH Article on Australian Musical Theatre Development

By on May 4, 2012 in Kevin Purcell's blog

CATS_ImageThe article about which I am offering an opinion can be read here: http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/musicals/in-full-voice-20120428-1xrhl.html

Whereas, it is not factually accurate, as Dean Bryant suggests that ”Musicals in Australia are probably by far the most popular form of live performing arts.” he’s not that far from being right.  Live music performance in the ‘contemporary popular music’ genre is that most popular form of live performing arts in this country.  The apposite point is that the musical theatre genre is a significant contributor to the health of the live performing arts sector in Australia.  Without it, much other theatre would languish in its wake. Continue Reading →

Comments { 0 }

Another Amazing Kinshasa Orchestra Story

By on April 19, 2012 in Kevin Purcell's blog

60_Minutes_Logo_Joy_In_Congo_StoryAkin to my post on the Kinshasa Symphony from a few weeks back; having learned of the documentary that was made by two German filmmakers, here is a follow-up story on this remarkable ensemble in the Congo – beautifully constructed and edited by the American, 60 Minutes Team – that just continues to inspire.  There is something about this story that just touches the hearts and minds of many of my friends and colleagues.

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7404678n

Listen for the voice-over line:  “They’re faces change when they do their music” and watch the vision.  It says everything!

Comments { 0 }

Vale Hector Cosmas (1966-2012)

By on March 28, 2012 in Kevin Purcell's blog

Hector_Cosmas_ViolinistIt is with great sadness that we note the passing of the very much admired Young Australian-Greek violinist, Hector Cosmas.  Mr. Cosmas was Melbourne-born and had spent the past 15 years in Greece developing his skills into becoming one of the finest exponents of the musical tradition known as ‘rembetika’.

Due to return to Australia for concerts this coming May, he is survived by his wife and two young daughters. Continue Reading →
Comments { 0 }